Menalive Marks Quarter-Century of Music and Community in Orange County

What started as a personal promise from Rich Cook in September 2001 has blossomed into a significant Orange County institution. When 13 men showed up for a rehearsal, MenAlive was born. Twenty-five years later, that single gathering has evolved into a chorus comprising over 100 singers and volunteers, forming a community that has provided voice, visibility, and a sense of belonging to LGBTQIA+ people across Orange County.

MenAlive has been described as more than a chorus, acting as a lifeline for many. In a county where some have felt unseen or unheard, the organization created a space through music for individuals to feel fully themselves, offering connection, healing, and hope. Members and audiences have shared experiences of finding belonging, sometimes for the first time, within the chorus.

Executive Director Valerie Ousley stated that the organization has seen “how music can change lives.” Ms. Ousley also noted that the chorus has been a place where people find their voice, themselves, and a community that refuses to let them stand alone.

This dedication has led MenAlive to perform on celebrated stages alongside artists such as Leslie Jordan, Bernadette Peters, and Liza Minnelli. The chorus has graced iconic venues including Walt Disney Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and the Hollywood Bowl. These appearances highlight not only artistic achievement but also the increasing visibility of queer voices in venues where they were once absent.

Now, in its 25th-anniversary season, MenAlive is looking to the future. The landmark concert calendar for 2026 begins with its anniversary showcase, MenAlive25: Finding Our Voice, scheduled for this May at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Later in the year, the chorus will perform for the sixth time at the Hollywood Bowl in September, opening for The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA. Additional performances include Battle for Broadway in October and the holiday concert Celebrate! From Our Hearth to Yours in December.

Music Director Gavin Thrasher expressed honor in joining the chorus for its anniversary season. Mr. Thrasher noted that by building on a quarter-century of creating community through choral music, MenAlive is expanding its reach and welcoming new members, ensembles, and volunteers. He also stated his excitement to create meaningful performance experiences and build connections through music as the organization continues to grow.

A significant expansion is set for this August with the launch of PrideAlive. This initiative will establish Orange County’s first mixed-voice queer chorus, operating under the newly formed VoicesAlive umbrella. This growth is founded on the same principle that began the organization: a belief in more voices, more stories, and more people seeking connection.

For Executive Director Valerie Ousley, the mission’s impact is deeply personal. Having spent over 20 years with the organization, Ms. Ousley has witnessed its growth in unexpected ways. She highlighted the profound experience of seeing her own son perform as a member of MenAlive, stating that such moments clarify that the work transcends music, representing a legacy and creating a space where the next generation knows they belong.

What started with 13 voices has evolved into a community, a haven, and a movement. Twenty-five years later, MenAlive continues to sing, grow, and create space for those seeking a place to belong.